Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts- A remarkable Island in New England

From woodlands and white sand beaches to the historic homes of wealthy whalers, Martha’s Vineyard offers natural beauty, one of a kind attractions and vintage charm. This tiny island south of Cape Cod is a popular destination for vacationers and celebrities, including President Barack Obama and rock star Jon Bon Jovi.

The western portion of Martha’s Vineyard, commonly known as up-island, is the location of majestic natural wonders and quiet rural towns. Aquinnah contains the red clay Gay Head Cliffs and Martha’s Vineyard’s first lighthouse that was built in 1799. The town of Chilmark is home to the fishing village of Menemsha, famous for seafood and stunning sunsets.

Down-island to the east lies the historic village of Edgartown, whose scenic churches and white-painted homes preserve the prosperous whaling history of Vineyard. Just a shuttle stop away, the town of Oak Bluffs is a popular religious retreat. Visit the Methodist Campground, and its residences of colorful gingerbread cottages. Both towns have miles of gorgeous public beaches.

A local bus system makes traveling to different island locations easy. A car ferry is available from Wood’s Hole, Massachusetts to Martha’s Vineyard. Passenger ferries leave from various points in New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. A ferry travels from the Vineyard to the historic Chappaquiddick Island, where wildlife flourishes in undisturbed marshes and beaches.

Events in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Things to See & Do

Gingerbread Houses– Gothic Victorian cottages rest in the town of Oak Bluffs. These fairytale houses are a must see for their colorful exteriors and delicate trimmings. For one night each year, paper lanterns are lit around each gingerbread house for the Grand Illumination.

Circuit Avenue– Known as the “main street” of Oak Bluffs, Circuit Avenue is the location of restaurants, shops, ice cream parlors, the harbor, and an arcade. Visit the “Flying Horses Carousel,” the oldest operating carousel in the United States. Built in 1876, the carousel first operated on Coney Island, New York. It was moved to Oak Bluffs in 1884, where it now resides as a national landmark.

Edgartown Village– Established in 1642, Edgartown is the oldest English settlement on Martha’s Vineyard. Once the center of whaling activities in the mid 1800s, Edgartown is now a prime destination for art galleries, fine dining and upscale nightlife. The #13 shuttle departs from Oak Bluffs to Edgartown every 15 minutes between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm.

Moshup Beach– Soak up the sun and swim the pristine coast of Moshup Beach. Formed by glaciers million of years ago, the Aquinnah Cliffs serve as an epic backdrop to this peaceful beach, which is less crowded than many of the popular beaches in Martha’s Vineyard.